The Ages of Superman : Essays on the Man of Steel in Changing Times

Since Superman first appeared on the cover of Action Comics #1 in 1938, the superhero has changed with the times to remain a relevant icon of American popular culture. This collection explores the evolution of the Superman character and demonstrates how his alterations mirror historical changes in American society. Beginning with the original comic book and ending with the 2011 Grounded storyline, these essays examine Superman's patriotic heroism during World War II, his increase in power in the early years of the Cold War, his death and resurrection at the end of the Cold War, and his recent dramatic reimagining. By looking at the many changes the Man of Steel has undergone to remain pertinent, this volume reveals as much about America as it does about the champion of Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Ever Since Superman First Appeared On The Cover Of Action Comics #1 In 1938, The Superhero Has Changed With The Times To Remain A Relevant Icon Of American Popular Culture. This Collection Explores The Evolution Of The Superman Character And Demonstrates How His Alterations Mirror Historical Changes In American Society--provided By Publisher. Superman Says You Can Slap A Jap! : The Man Of Steel And Race Hatred In World War Ii / Todd S. Munson -- Supervillains And Cold War Tensions In The 1950s / Lori Maguire -- Kryptonite, Radiation, And The Birth Of The Atomic Age / Peter Lee -- Truth, Justice, And The American Way In Franco's Spain / Louie Dean Valencia-garcía -- The Inflexible Girls Of Steel : Subverting Second Wave Feminism In The Extended Superman Franchise / Thomas C. Donaldson -- Black Like Lois : Confronting Racism, Configuring African American Presence / Christopher B. Zeichmann -- Red, White, And Bruised : The Vietnam War And The Weakening Of Superman / Jason M. Latouche -- The Struggle Within : Superman's Difficult Transition Into The Age Of Relevance / Paul R. Kohl -- It's Morning Again In America : John Byrne's Re-imaging Of The Man Of Steel / Daniel J. O'rourke And Morgan B. O'rourke -- The New Man Of Steel Is A Quiche-eating Wimp! Media Reactions To The Reimagining Of Superman In The Reagan Era / Jack Teiwes -- More Human Than (super) Human : Clark Kent's Smallville And Reagan's America / Michael Smith -- The Triangle Era Of Superman : Continuity, Marketing, And Grand Narratives In The 1990s / Matthew J. Smith -- Searching For Meaning In The Death Of Superman / Joseph J. Darowski -- Death, Bereavement, And The Superhero Funeral / José Alaniz -- Superman And The Corruption Of Power / Stefan Buchenberger -- This Isn't Your Grandfather's Comic Book Universe : The Return Of The Golden Age Superman / Jeffrey K. Johnson -- In A World Without Superman, What Is The American Way? / John Darowski -- Traveling Hopefully In Search Of American National Identity : The Grounded Superman As A 21st Century Picaro / Randy Duncan. Edited By Joseph J. Darowski. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.